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It is downright eerie how accurately Ayn Rand was able to describe the course of events that have taken place in our society since she wrote that book.

And yet, we now live in an age with lower taxes, greater opportunities for individuals to profit directly from their efforts, fewer social limitations on behavior (a big deal to Rand), and less governmental regulation than existed when Ayn Rand wrote the book. For all the complaints about our inexorable move toward socialism and government totalitarianism, I would love to see evidence -- tax rate changes over the last 50 years, greater restrictions on corporate and personal behavior, etc. -- to support the thesis.

And yet, we now live in an age with lower taxes, greater opportunities for individuals to profit directly from their efforts, fewer social limitations on behavior (a big deal to Rand), and less governmental regulation than existed when Ayn Rand wrote the book. For all the complaints about our inexorable move toward socialism and government totalitarianism, I would love to see evidence -- tax rate changes over the last 50 years, greater restrictions on corporate and personal behavior, etc. -- to support the thesis.

If you actually believe that tripe, then you are less of an intellectual powerhouse than some of those less knowledgeable on this forum believe you to be.

Your assignment, before you make another post, is to read Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." If you read it back in '57, maybe it's time to reread it.

Jack

We have been holders of the Acorn family of funds for many years, & they have treated us well . Contrary to what the few lefty's on this forum espouse, this is where I get my view of what's going on. These people have a track record of excellence, a word not in the left's vocabulary, & along with a few other publications provide a sensible commentary as to which direction the country is going.

In this semi-annual report Chuck McQuaid starts Squirrel Chatter II with the heading Big Government. & it starts with the Atlas Shrugged: In Mr McQuaid words, which I will take the liberty to excerpt, "I read a lot as part of my job & I also enjoy reading for pleasure. I typically read non-fiction - largely books on history, economics & politics. I haven't made time for fiction, until recently, when I read my 1st fiction in decades, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

Written in 1957, the book has a curious history. In 1991 it was ranked a distant second to the Bible as most influential to readers of the Book of the Month club. It's sales have recently been surging, hitting a record 500,000 copies sold in 2009. What I see as the book's eerie parallels with recent events have likely caused it's surge in popularity.

The heroes in Atlas Shrugged are entrepeneurs who create prosperity, & it's villains are federal government bureaucrats who regulate & tax. Bureaucrats never let a crisis go to waste & use each crisis to obtain more power & create more regulations. The bureaucrats are economically illiterate, so new regulation further hurts the economy."

Businesses fail, but those with the right friends get bailed out. Some bonds are made whole, others not. Patent rights are given "voluntarily".

It appears to Mr McQuaid that Atlas Shrugged may be as much prophecy as fiction.

Mr McQuaid also believes the government created the HC crisis. Mandates & standardized payment schedules being 2 of the bigger culprits. As he says Life, Home & Car insurance are owned by the individual rather than being owned by the employer which is the case with 90% of all HC policies. State laws just add to the confusion.

Junbe, I would go further & say "We The People" & "Fountain Head" are also excellent reads. The lefty's should read "We the People", it would show them their goal .

If you actually believe that tripe, then you are less of an intellectual powerhouse than some of those less knowledgeable on this forum believe you to be.

It is our money, & it is being wasted unnecessarily!!!!!!

As much as I often disagree with you Marvin, I always take heed of your comments.....but I do not recall ANYTHING about our money NOT being wasted. I think we can all agree on that. Whether its being wasted on corporate tax breaks or feeding hungry children is where political differences lie, but I think we all agree its being wasted.